Child Protection and
Safeguarding Policy

Adhdful Coaching

Policy Owner: Emma Cose
Role: ADHD Life Coach
Date of last review: January 2026
Next review due: January 2027

1. Policy Statement

Adhdful Coaching is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The welfare of the child is paramount and underpins all practice.

This policy reflects the principles and expectations set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 and Working Together to Safeguard Children. While Adhdful Coaching is not an education setting, this policy adapts relevant statutory safeguarding guidance to ensure best practice when working with young people.

Safeguarding is embedded in the culture of Adhdful Coaching. All concerns are taken seriously, children are listened to, and action is taken proportionately and promptly to protect their wellbeing.

This policy applies to all coaching activities delivered by Adhdful Coaching, including online coaching sessions delivered via video conferencing platforms.

2. Definitions

  • A child or young person is defined as any person under the age of 18.

  • Safeguarding refers to protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, and ensuring safe and effective care.

  • Child protection refers to specific activity undertaken to protect children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer significant harm.

  • Early help refers to support provided when concerns first emerge, before they escalate to child protection thresholds.

3. Scope of Services

Adhdful Coaching provides online ADHD coaching services to:

  • Young people aged 14–18 only

  • Adults aged 18+

Adhdful Coaching does not work with children under the age of 14.

Coaching is not therapy, counselling, diagnosis, or crisis intervention. Coaching sessions with under-18s are conducted only with informed written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

4. Safeguarding Principles

Adhdful Coaching is guided by the following principles:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount

  • Children and young people are listened to and taken seriously

  • Safeguarding is proactive, preventative, and responsive

  • Early concerns are recognised and addressed promptly

  • Clear professional boundaries are maintained at all times

  • Online environments are managed to minimise risk

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Emma Cose is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Adhdful Coaching.

Responsibilities include:

  • Implementing and reviewing safeguarding policies annually

  • Maintaining up-to-date safeguarding training

  • Acting as the point of contact for safeguarding concerns

  • Assessing risk and taking appropriate action

  • Making referrals to statutory agencies where required

6. Safer Working Practices

Adhdful Coaching follows safer working principles adapted for a sole practitioner service online. These include:

  • An enhanced DBS check held by the coach

  • Safeguarding training completed and refreshed annually

  • Coaching sessions delivered on secure platforms

  • No private or informal social media contact with under-18s

  • Any communication with young people occurs only via agreed professional channels

  • Sessions take place in a professional, neutral environment

  • Professional boundaries are clearly communicated and maintained

7. Consent and Parental Involvement

For all clients under 18:

  • Written consent is obtained from a parent or legal guardian prior to coaching commencing

  • Parents/carers are informed of the nature, purpose, and boundaries of coaching

  • Confidentiality limits are clearly explained to both the young person and parent/carer

  • Weekly reports are provided to parents/carers to update them on progress and content of coaching sessions

Safeguarding concerns always override confidentiality.


8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information shared during coaching sessions is treated as confidential, except where:

  • A child is at risk of harm

  • There is a disclosure or concern relating to abuse or neglect

  • There is a legal obligation to share information

Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis with appropriate agencies, in line with safeguarding guidance.

9. Recognising Abuse, Neglect and Online Harm

Adhdful Coaching recognises that abuse may be:

  • Physical

  • Emotional

  • Sexual

  • Neglect

Online harm is also recognised, including exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, coercion, and behaviours that negatively impact wellbeing.

Indicators may include changes in behaviour, emotional distress, withdrawal, disclosure, or concerning statements made during sessions.


10. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises:

  1. Listen calmly and take the young person seriously

  2. Avoid leading questions or making judgments

  3. Do not promise confidentiality

  4. Record the concern accurately, factually, and promptly

  5. Assess the level of risk and consider early help or child protection thresholds

  6. Take appropriate action, which may include:

    • Discussing concerns with parents/carers (unless this increases risk)

    • Contacting the relevant Local Authority Children’s Services

    • Contacting emergency services if there is immediate danger

All actions taken will be proportionate, timely, and in the best interests of the child.


11. Online Safety

Recognising the additional risks associated with online working, Adhdful Coaching commits to:

  • Using secure video platforms

  • Only recording sessions without explicit, written consent

  • Partnering with parents/legal guardians to ensure young people attend sessions in a private, safe space

  • Ending or pausing sessions if boundaries or safety are compromised

12. Allegations Against the Coach

Any allegation made against the coach will be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.

Concerns may be reported to:

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

  • Relevant professional or regulatory bodies

Where appropriate, practice will be suspended while concerns are investigated.

13. Record Keeping

Safeguarding records are:

  • Factual, accurate, and timely

  • Stored securely

  • Kept separate from general coaching notes

  • Retained in line with data protection and safeguarding guidance

14. Review and Monitoring

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if:

  • There are changes to safeguarding legislation or guidance

  • A significant safeguarding incident occurs

  • The nature of services provided changes

15. Useful Contacts

  • Local Authority Children’s Services (client’s local authority)

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

  • Police (emergency): 999

  • Police (non-emergency): 101

Signed:
 Emma Cose
ADHD Life Coach
Adhdful Coaching